A record diaper change

It was a record turnout for a record breaking event as parents from across the city prepared for a change.

A change of diapers, that is.

The Great Cloth Diaper Change took place at the Ontario Early Years Centre last weekend with a record turnout of more than 30 people who participated in changing their child’s cloth diaper.

Additionally, $150 was collected and donated to the Real Diaper Association.

“This is a huge improvement,” said Tracey Valade, organizer of the event.

Last year, just under 10 people showed up to participate.

The purpose of the world-wide change was not only to set a record in the Guinness World Records for the largest change, but to spread awareness about cloth diapers and the benefits they have.

“Our goal is to collectively improve the world with one change of a cloth diaper at a time, Valade said. “This has turned out to be even better than I thought it would be.”

In previous years, one of the rules was that participants around the globe would have to change the diapers at the same time, regardless of the time difference.

In some countries, that time might be after midnight.

This year, everyone was to start at 11 a.m. in their area.

Rachel Pellatt, a mother who attended the event, learned to use cloth diapers for her second son after an researching online and talking to parents who use the disposable alternative.

“I love cloth diapering. I think it’s important to take care of the environment,” she said.

“I had that whole misconception on how hard it is or how expensive it is and it’s not. It’s better for our kids because there’s not as much chemicals. For me, it’s not even an alternative, it’s just the way it is.”

Cloth diapers come in all colours and sizes and can be bought to last a few years rather than one use like a disposable diaper.

Valade said the cost savings alone might be a reason to switch to cloth and by not having to throw away disposable diapers, it is being more environmentally friendly.

Valade will be opening her new cloth diaper store in September of this year but already has a website at www.darolottys.ca.